Full Session

The “Big Bang” in Learning: Brain Changes and Childhood Learning

Setup

The big bang in human learning happens in childhood. The big bang has two components: (a) critical periods for learning certain material that are time sensitive, and (b) the social environment that provides “brain food” to build a brain. We’ll describe the essential components that make early childhood learning a big bang that no child should miss and society can’t ignore.

It's during the first 5 years, the first 2,000 days, there is a wonderful explosion of activity and growth in the brain that sets the stage for future learning. What happens in that first 5 years stays with you all your life.